ALTHOUGH I believe no one should be discriminated against due to their sex, gender, social class, age, disability, religion, sexuality and race or any other membership - it was only recently highlighted to me that someone might be prejudice towards a person for being obese.

A poll by the World Obesity Federation found 62 per cent of those surveyed had been discriminated against because of their size, theoretically making it the most common form of discrimination in the UK.

Campaigner Kathryn Szrodecki said obese people are overlooked when it comes to promotions, are paid less and that the expectations of them by their employer is less.

She also argues that larger people might not go for a promotion for fear of being discriminated against.

If this is true, it is sad as no one should let their size stop them achieving their dreams and ambitions. However, I do have some issues with normalising obesity.

Obesity is a very serious condition, that is estimated to affect around one in every four adults.

It can lead to type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, some types of cancer, such as breast cancer and bowel cancer and even cause a stroke. It is not right to attack people over such things but we also cannot condone it completely either.

There’s a difference between obese and being fat - and the former is the problem.

Although, I know many will say - what’s it to you if I am obese? -and to that I say - it does affect society as a whole.

Firstly, it can be problematic as it strains our already overstretched NHS through the conditions mentioned earlier. It perpetuates the idea to young people and children that being obese is a valid lifestyle choice.

In the work place it can be difficult to get around if the job involves a fair amount of movement.

And even on busy public transport being obese can be difficult for you and others around you, as you may need a larger space or seating area.

It is not like most discrimination in that it is something which, however difficult, can be prevented or changed.

I know there are people out there with conditions that cause them to gain excess weight but I know this is generally not the case. For more information about obesity, visit nhs.uk/conditions/obesity